Codal Requirements Using Capacity Design Philosophy, and Their Applications in the Design of Steel Structures in Seismic Zones

Abstract

The use of steel structures in the developing countries is limited in spite of its better performance in the case of seismic events due to its high ductility. Although steel structures behave well under seismic excitation, nevertheless the use of structural steel is limiting these days. This paper aims to address various parameters related to the capacity design approach involved in the seismic design of conventional steel structures. Few cases of the early steel structures construction such as bridges in Pakistan are briefly described. Philosophies based on the capacity design approach and the importance of conventional steel lateral load resisting systems with their global mechanisms are provided. The design procedures of Eurocode 8 for Steel Moment resisting frames, Concentric cross braced frames and Eccentric braced frames are given and illustrated. It is believed that the paper will contribute and will be helpful for the designers, researchers and academicians involve in the study of lateral load resisting systems for incorporating in the design process. Since synopsis tables are provided, therefore this will allow a clear understanding of the capacity design approach for different lateral load resisting systems.